This week, a group of elected officials and activists gathered near the base of the Kosciuszko Bridge to criticize Governor Andrew Cuomo for discussing the use of dynamite to bring down the decaying Brooklyn-Queens connector.

Greenpoint's history of pollution issues is clear, so it's of the utmost importance that the state must take every precaution to ensure there are no dangerous or hazardous impacts on the community during the demolition.

The outreach on the project to replace the span up to this point has been robust, and will continue to be in the future, but it looks like the state dropped the ball when it came to this issue, as many stakeholders were taken by surprise when specifics of the demolition leaked.

But without the word dynamite, this likely wouldn't have been such a big issue.

New York State needs to do whatever it takes to make sure the removal is done expeditiously and safely. If engineers believe this process will have minimal impact and be safe, then they should proceed in an open and transparent manner going forward.

On the other hand, drivers who use the old bridge and deal with the potholes and traffic will likely be ecstatic to see it come down by any means necessary.

The Kosciuszko Bridge has not only become a wholly unpleasant experience, but dangerous as well. Finally seeing it replaced with a new bridge after all of the years of planning will be a welcome sight for those who make the trip between Brooklyn and Queens on a regular basis